June Public Affairs Committee Report
By Heath Clarkston
2026 Missouri Legislative Session Ends
On Friday, May 15th the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session concluded at 6:00 pm. Overall, the legislative session was relatively calm as consensus was reached on many issues as approximately 100 individual bills were sent to the Governor’s desk. The biggest issue that will impact all businesses and individuals is the passage of House Joint Resolution 173 & 174 that places a question on the ballot for voters on if they support phasing out the Missouri Individual Income Tax for a broader sales tax on goods and services. We plan to provide more information on future HBA updates on this measure. Governor Kehoe is yet to announce if the tax question will be on the August or November ballot.
Also, numerous bills of interest were tracked this year for the HBA and are included in the more detailed “end of session” report that is also attached. All bills will be submitted to the Governor on May 30th, and he will have 45 days to act; as all bills must be signed, vetoed, or allowed to be effective without a signature by July 15th.
Cole County Considering Changes to Rules for Excavation in Right-Of-Way
This month, the Cole County Commission informed the HBA that they are considering a proposal to modify the county rules for excavation in public right of way. The proposed rule will create a schedule of flat fees for permits. Further, the new rule sets out general procedures for performing work in right-of-way that may require notification to the Director of Public Works under certain circumstances. In addition, when performing backfill work, the rule would require the top six inches be free of rocks, stones and clods prior to seeding or soding. Much of these rules would apply solely to utilities or contractors performing work on behalf of a utility.
This rule states that “a permit will not be required for installation of service lines in an unimproved right-of-way to serve new home construction prior to paving streets in a new subdivision. In such case, the surface of the unimproved right-of-way shall be restored when the law is being seeded.”
JC Public Works and Planning Committee Advances Permit and Planning Software Tool
As part of the effort by the Jefferson City Planning and Protective Services Department to streamline the review and approval process for residents and businesses, the staff has recommended the City purchase a new platform. The city staff noted that contractors and property owners would be able to see comments from the city on whether a design needs approval before approval. In addition, the software would allow cross reference to ensure that all permit plans meet city codes and zoning regulations. The city currently uses another software program, and this would be a new system that may be more advanced. This system will be used for other city regulated businesses beyond construction and land development.